Agave Spirits Vs Mezcal: Here Are The Differences To Know
Agave spirits are characterised by their earthy, smoky or even sweet profiles, but none of these liquors are the same. Each one carries subtle differences that are either a result of production techniques or the infusion of other ingredients used for preparing the spirits. Such is the case with mezcal too which is crafted using agave, yet it is distinct from a number of other agave liquors.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between agave spirits and mezcal which are also influenced by the history and characteristics of these liquors:
What are agave spirits?
Distilled spirits which are prepared primarily using the agave plant are characterised as agave spirits. The plant is a succulent found in several Mexican regions. Different spirits like tequila, mezcal, bacanora and others are crafted using agave, each one a variation defined by the different agave species used, the production methods practiced and their origins in varied regions. The flavours of agave spirits are then earthy, vegetal, fruity or smoky depending on how they are made.
What is mezcal, exactly?
Mezcal is one of the numerous spirits crafted using agave. But contrary to a liquor like tequila which is made primarily using blue agave, mezcal is a smoky spirit prepared using different agave varieties. The liquor is known for its distinctive smoky flavour which is the result of roasting agave hearts during the production process. Mezcal is mainly crafted traditionally in the Oaxaca region of Mexico, using earthen pits and wooden tools.
How is mezcal different from an agave spirit like tequila?
One of the primary distinctions is the type of agave used. While tequila is crafted using blue agave, mezcal is generally produced using multiple agave species found in the regions where it is distilled. Tequila comes from Jalisco, a region which is said to have refined and honed the methods employed for the production of this spirit. For its part, mezcal comes from another Mexican region, that is Oaxaca, where agave species grow widely. As many as 30 agave varieties can be used to potentially prepare mezcal. These are often roasted before distillation, giving the spirit a smoky character.
In terms of the overall flavour profile, tequila is lighter, vegetal and typically silkier whereas mezcal is smoky, more robust and earthy.
Also Read: Is Agave’s Presence In Indian Bars More Than Just A Margarita Moment?
Are all agave spirits smoky like mezcal?
Not necessarily. Mezcal acquires its smoky effect because agave hearts are slow-cooked in underground pits lined with wood and stones before distilling them into the spirit. This process infuses smoke, caramelization and earthy notes into mezcal.
This cannot be said for all agave spirits as certain variations like tequila or bacanora, may be steamed or cooked differently, resulting in cleaner or sweeter profiles. Moreover, even mezcal’s smokiness can vary depending on the types of agave used in its production and the technique employed for roasting the plant.
Can other agave spirits be substituted with mezcal?
In a lot of different cocktails, mezcal can be introduced in place of tequila to lend them a smokier touch. The spirit adds a lot of depth into cocktails like margaritas, palomas or stirred drinks.
However, in the case of lighter cocktails, mezcal can become a slightly more robust and overpowering spirit. At such times, liquors like tequila with lighter, crisper notes can be the go-to option.
Within contemporary mixology, mezcal is now being used intentionally by different mixologists to bring forth its robust, earthy and smoky notes into blends to formulate a rustic flavour contrast with fresh ingredients.
So, are agave spirits and mezcal both interesting additions to the home bar?
Most definitely. Each one offers a different kind of flavour exploration – from sweet and smooth to smoky and robust. As well, each of these spirits pairs differently with different foods, from seafood to spicy dishes. Adding them to the home bar effectively introduces more versatility into mixology and opens up lots of creative possibilities in cocktail craft which incorporates agave spirits in making drinks.
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